Swamptown Girl
Lonesome Brothers
Captivating Music
2001
12 tracks
Swamptown Girls is a quirky, eclectic blend of performances centred around rock and roll that's rediscovered its roots in country music and seems more often than not to be presented with tongue firmly in cheek. For the overall mix, the closest comparison I can come up with is the music of Luther Wright and the Wrongs, although Michael Nesmith or Lyle Lovett might also fall into a similar category. The individual songs bring to mind a variety of popular if often niche recording artists.
Try to imagine a trio that blends elements of John Mellenkamp, The Eagles, Bare Naked Ladies, Michael Nesmith, Jeanie C. Riley... in fact a stew of American country rock sounds that fall just outside the popular music mainstream. If you can imagine that group, then you've got a good idea of the diverse sounds of the Lonesome Brothers.
In an environment that's mostly rock and roll, "Early in the Spring" is perhaps the most surprising song in this set. The guitar line that introduces the song then follows as a theme behind the vocals brings the listener flashes of early Joan Osbourne, especially "If God Was One of Us." Contrasting to that sweet guitar is a vocal that is reminiscent of nothing so much as Canada's Bare Naked Ladies. It's a combination that at surface should not work, yet it does work very well.
The final song, "Chains" also has that Bare Naked Ladies vocal sound, but set to a very skiffle rhythm and with instrumentation that often sounds improvised. The song doesn't so much end as just fade into nothingness. On any release but this, it would seem a strange song to end the set.
"Swamptown Girl" has the sort of jumpy faux country sound presented by mid-century folk rockers Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show ("The Cover of the Rolling Stone") and The Loving Spoonful ("Nashville Cats"). It's a bright, interesting song placed exactly where it belongs, at the centre of this very eclectic set.
"Reverend Mr.Hooper" is the sort of urbanized rural storytelling made popular more than thirty years ago by artists such as Jeannie C. Riley. Set to an up-tempo skiffle rhythm, it's a fun song with some interesting sound effects.
In contrast to other songs on this release, "She's Not That Way With Fireworks" is a sweet ballad in the tradition of songs such as The Eagles' "Lying Eyes."
"Disconnection" and "A Way Out of No Way" bring to mind Michael Nesmith's work as a solo performer, with the same quirky vocals and lyrics set over basic country instrumentals. They are attention grabbing songs that make you want to listen closer.
Every song on Swamptown Girl is different and every song is interesting. This release is sure to be enjoyed by those who enjoy an edgy mix of country music and rock and roll ranging from skiffle through Mellenkamp/Springsteen Americana to hard rockabilly-tinged rock. This music is most likely not destined for mainstream popularity but is sure to find a loyal niche audience.
You can listen to clips of "Pass the Wrench" and "Swamptown Girl" by Lonesome Brothers at duckmusic.com. To learn about Lonesome Brothers latest release, Fences, go to www.lonesomebrothers.com.
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Review written: February 26, 2005
Page modified: February 26, 2005
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